A LIFE-LONG crook is behind bars for a crime spree which left businesses with hefty repair bills and hit trade.

Geoffrey Baker was labelled a professional commercial burglar by the prosecutor who outlined the trail of misery he left across Darlington.

The 40-year-old's barrister disputed the description and told Teesside Crown Court that the former chef was in the grip of a drug addiction at the time and needed money.

The court heard that he struck at the town centre Marks & Spencer – now closed – in April and May and the company was quoted a repair bill of almost £11,000 to replace the 70ft of lead flashing he stole and weighed in for £420 scrap.

Overnight in early July, he forced his way into Poundstretcher in Whessoe Road and took children's pyjamas, toothpaste and screwdrivers, said prosecutor Emma Atkinson.

Twice in two nights, Baker targeted the CEF electrical supplies business in Meynell Road and stole tools worth £4,000 and caused the same amount of damage after cutting a hole in the roof.

He was arrested the following day and admitted leaving a balaclava and gloves behind and thought he had cut himself, so expected to be caught.

Miss Atkinson said he also confessed to finding a wallet in Morrisons and using a card to make 'contactless' payments, and broke into Clearance Bargains in Valley Street North and stole a £300 television.

He also admitted stealing goods in a trolley from Asda in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

Deacon, of Farrier Street, Darlington, was jailed for a total of 42 months by Judge James Brown, who told him: "You have an appalling record.

"In the current economic climate, businesses who try their best to keep their heads above water, frankly, do not need people like you breaking into their premises and taking their hard-earned profits."

Lewis Kerr, mitigating, told the court: "He knows he will receive a custodial sentence. He lives at home with five children who he all cares for and his partner.

"It is extremely expensive living a life when one is addicted to heroin. He knows how severely he has let those children and his partner down."